Matthew Liberatore is lined up for his first start of the season as the St. Louis Cardinals (17-26) face off against the Milwaukee Brewers (24-18) at Busch Stadium on Wednesday with the three-game series in the balance.
The Brewers evened up the series 1-1 after winning 3-2 on Tuesday, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. Reliever Joel Payamps was credited with the win after throwing 1.2 scoreless innings, and Devin Williams threw 1.2 scoreless innings to pick up his sixth save.
Brian Anderson was 1 for 3 with a solo home run in the win. Nolan Arenado went 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Cardinals. Tommy Edman went 3 for 4 with a double and one run.
ON THE MOUND
Corbin Burnes (4-2, 3.35 ERA) is in line for the start for Milwaukee. The right-hander threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 5-1 road win over the Royals on Friday. He got the win, scattering two hits while striking out seven and walking four.
Burnes is making his first appearance against the Cardinals this season. Over four starts against the Cardinals in 2022, Burnes was 2-1 with a 1.29 ERA over 28 innings.
He had 32 strikeouts and four walks. For St. Louis, left-hander Liberatore takes the mound, his season debut. He was 2-2 over nine appearances (seven starts) last season with an ERA of 5.97.
He struck out 28 and walked 18 over 34.2 innings. Liberatore made one start against the Brewers in 2022, throwing five innings in an 8-3 home win on May 28. He gave up three hits and walked three, while striking out six in the win.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Milwaukee has averaged 4.4 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against left-handed pitchers like Liberatore this season, the Brew Crew have a .618 OPS, lowest in the league.
Joey Wiemer is the team’s biggest slugger against left-handers with a .625 SLG in 33 at-bats. St. Louis is averaging 8.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.9 for the season, with a higher slash line (.301/.385/.563).
The Cards have a .784 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fifth highest in the league. With a 1.022 OPS over 113 at-bats, Nolan Gorman has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Milwaukee is 11-10 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. St. Louis has gone 7-14 at their home park this season, averaging 5.6 runs per game while surrendering 5.2.
St. Louis is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the NL Central rivals at Busch Stadium with an average scoreline of 5.1-3.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Brewers lead the NL Central by two games over the Pirates. The Cardinals are fifth in the NL Central, seven games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Milwaukee Brewers (-110)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
